 Thoracoscopic Surgery (Video Assisted)
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The concept of minimally invasive surgery is a further development of the principle pioneered in the United States at Children's Hospital Boston with the introduction of video assisted thoracoscopic surgery.
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With this technique, a video scope is introduced into the chest through a "port," which is just a few millimeters in length. Three other ports allow for the introduction of instruments and retractors. This approach has been employed at Children's Hospital for closure of patent ductus arteriousus, as well as division of vascular rings.
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Like minimally invasive surgery, the video assisted technique is followed by more rapid convalescence and minimal incisional pain. Current research is aimed at expanding the application of video assisted throacoscopic surgery to other cardiac defects.
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Contact Children's Hospital Boston Cardiovascular Program physicians for a second opinion.
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